SNAP Recipients Sue to Get Their Sugary Treats Back
March 13, 2026 – A group of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients has filed a lawsuit challenging efforts to ban the use of food assistance benefits for sugary foods and beverages.
The lawsuit targets recent proposals in several states that seek to restrict what items can be purchased through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP. The program provides monthly food benefits to millions of low-income Americans to help them buy groceries.
Supporters of the proposed restrictions argue the changes are intended to improve public health by preventing taxpayer-funded benefits from being used to purchase soda, candy and other foods high in sugar. Some policymakers say limiting those purchases could help reduce rates of obesity, diabetes and other diet-related illnesses.
However, the lawsuit filed by SNAP recipients argues the restrictions unfairly single out low-income families and limit their ability to make their own food choices. Plaintiffs say the proposed bans would treat SNAP recipients differently from other consumers and could create confusion at grocery stores where some items would be eligible for purchase while others would not.
Advocacy groups supporting the lawsuit also argue that the restrictions fail to address broader issues related to food access, including the higher cost of healthier foods and the limited availability of fresh produce in some communities.
Under current federal rules, SNAP benefits can generally be used to purchase most grocery items except alcohol, tobacco and hot prepared foods.
Legal experts say the outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for how states attempt to regulate SNAP purchases in the future.
The case is expected to move through federal courts in the coming months as both sides argue over the balance between public health goals and the rights of benefit recipients to choose the foods they purchase.
Formal Request to Remove Controversial Statue From Globe Life Field Already Filed
March 13, 2026 – A North Texas congressman is calling on Major League Baseball and the Texas Rangers to remove a controversial statue recently installed outside the team’s home stadium in Arlington.
U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey sent a letter this week to Texas Rangers co-chairmen Ray Davis and Bob Simpson, as well as MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, urging them to reconsider the placement of the statue titled One Riot, One Ranger at Globe Life Field.
The statue was unveiled at the ballpark on March 2 after previously standing for nearly six decades at Dallas Love Field airport. The sculpture depicts a Texas Ranger and references the historic phrase “One Riot, One Ranger,” which has long been associated with the legendary law enforcement group.
Veasey, who represents Texas’ 33rd Congressional District covering parts of Tarrant and Dallas counties, said the statue’s historical associations raise concerns. In his letter, the congressman argued that the monument may honor a figure connected to opposition to school integration, and said that honoring such a legacy conflicts with the inclusive values that Major League Baseball promotes today.
“Ballparks should be places where families gather, and fans of every background feel welcome,” Veasey said in his statement.
In the letter, Veasey also pointed to baseball’s history of racial integration, highlighting the contributions of trailblazers like Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby, who broke the sport’s color barrier and helped reshape professional baseball.
The Texas Rangers organization has not publicly responded to the request. The team, a member of Major League Baseball, installed the statue as part of a display recognizing Texas history and culture.
The debate surrounding the statue reflects broader national conversations about historical monuments and how figures from the past should be represented in modern public spaces.
For now, the statue remains on display at Globe Life Field as discussions continue.
Harris County Judge Attempts to Enter Sold Out Concert Without Ticket
March 13, 2026 – A confrontation at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo drew attention this week after Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo was removed from a restricted section during a sold-out concert at NRG Stadium.
Hidalgo is the first woman to be elected County Judge and only the second to be elected to the Commissioners Court.
The incident occurred during a performance by country artist Megan Moroney as part of the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo concert series. According to reports, Hidalgo attempted to enter a ticketed area without the proper credentials. Event staff and rodeo committee members reportedly asked her multiple times to return to her assigned seat before ultimately escorting her from the section.
We are very disappointed in Judge Hidalgo’s actions Tuesday night and since. But we must enforce the same access policies for everyone. The Judge is the only elected official to request, even demand, these seats night after night. As Chairwoman of the Board, the idea that she was treated this way because she’s a woman or Hispanic is absolutely false and insulting. – Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Hidalgo, a Democrat who has announced she will not seek reelection as Harris County judge, disputed the circumstances surrounding the incident. In a Facebook post that was later deleted and in a two-page letter sent to rodeo leadership, she alleged she was physically shoved and grabbed by committee members and was threatened with arrest during the confrontation.
She also suggested the situation may have been influenced by sexism or political motivations.
Rodeo officials have not publicly confirmed those claims but maintain that access to certain sections of the stadium requires specific credentials, particularly during high-demand concerts where seating and standing areas are tightly controlled.
The situation has drawn criticism from some observers who say public officials should follow the same rules as other attendees at large public events.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the largest events of its kind in the country, regularly draws massive crowds to concerts and rodeo competitions held throughout the multi-week event.
Wildcats Played Their First District Game in Baseball Action March 10th
March 13, 2026 – The Sulphur Springs, Texas, High School Wildcats competed against the Pittsburg Pirates in baseball action Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Wildcat Park in Sulphur Springs, Texas. This was the Wildcats first District Game of the season. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, and Tony Flippin, called Play by Play and provided Color Commentary.
First United Methodist Church to Host Blood Drive April 19th
March 12, 2026 – First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, and Carter Blood Care, will hold a blood drive Sunday, April 19th, 2026. Those who donate will receive a quilted tote bag. The blood drive is scheduled for 10:00am to 2:00pm. It will be held in the Gym of First United Methodist Church, 301 Church Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas, 75482. For more details, email B. J. Hardman at [email protected]. A photo ID is required.
North Texas Food Bank Opens Registration for 2026 Summer Kids Camp Focused on Fighting Hunger
March 12, 2026 – The program gives children hands-on experience and a closer look at how they can make a difference.
Dallas, TX, March 11, 2026 —The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is bringing back its popular summer Kids Day Camp for a fourth year, inviting children ages 8–11 to spend a day learning how they can help neighbors facing hunger.
Held on select Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the NTFB’s Perot Family Campus, 3677 Mapleshade Lane in Plano, the weekly camp is built to help young participants better understand food insecurity while giving them meaningful ways to get involved.
Throughout the day, campers participate in engaging, age-appropriate activities that foster empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving. The experience includes a behind-the-scenes look at the Perot Family Campus, along with interactive lessons centered on food sourcing, gardening, and nutrition. Each session also features a hands-on volunteer project where campers help assemble food kits for families across North Texas.
During the camp, participants will participate in interactive activities designed to foster empathy, learning, and action regarding hunger in their communities. Campers will get a unique behind-the-scenes tour of the NTFB’s Perot Family Campus, where they’ll engage in fun and educational experiences related to food, gardening, and nutrition. They will also participate in a hands-on volunteer project, helping to pack food kits for local families facing hunger.
Eight camp sessions are available this summer:
- June 1, 2026
- June 8, 2026
- June 15, 2026
- June 22, 2026
- July 13, 2026
- July 20, 2026
- July 27, 2026
- August 3, 2026
“At the North Texas Food Bank, we believe that addressing hunger requires the involvement of everyone, including the next generation,” said Cassie Collins, Director of Community Engagement for NTFB. “Kids Camp is a wonderful way to start building a future of hunger warriors ready to make a difference.”
The $35 registration fee per child helps provide 105 nutritious meals to children in North Texas experiencing hunger. While a snack will be provided, campers are asked to bring their own lunch. Children may only attend one session during the summer, and each session is limited to 30 spots. Families registering more than one child should complete a separate form for each participant.
To sign up for Kids Camp, please visit www.ntfb.org/kidscamp.
For more information on being a sponsor for this educational experience, please email [email protected].
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Is It Spring?? by Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
March 12, 2026 – With recent temperatures reaching the 80s, it seems that spring is finally here! Although sweaters and jackets may no longer be needed, it might be a good idea to keep them close by, as there usually is a cold snap before Easter. And before spending $$ on plants and putting them in the ground, keep in mind the average date for last frost is the first week of April. Gardeners who plant now should realize that protecting the new plants will be necessary if there is a chance of frost. A heavy frost can damage or kill your new plants overnight if not protected!
The temperature does not have to be 32 degrees or less to have frost. Frost happens when the moisture in the air freezes, and according to the National Weather Service, can occur at 42 degrees and below. Frost is more likely on clear nights, in low areas, and with humidity present.
Protecting your plants from frost is not difficult. Some type of cover is needed to keep the frost from touching the plant. 5 gallon buckets, empty plant containers, old sheets, cardboard boxes, and other materials can all be used. Be careful to not allow any of the cover to touch the plants’ leaves. Also, avoid plastic sheeting as it will transfer the cold to the plant.
Things To Do Now
This time of the year is a perfect time for getting your equipment ready for the season. Mowers, tillers, and weed eaters all need basic maintenance to perform when needed. On mowers and tillers, changing the oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter will help keep the machine running at its peak all summer. Mower blades need sharpening before the summer season, as sharp blades cleanly cut the grass, while dull blades tend to tear the leaves.
Alas, it is time to begin the mowing season. A regular mowing can eliminate some weeds from the lawn.
Some homeowners like to scalp the lawn now to allow sunlight to better reach the soil, helping the grass to grow. Lower the mower blades one notch to scalp, and bag the clippings for the compost pile. Leaving the cuttings on the lawn defeats the goal of getting sun to the soil!
Apply pre-emergent very soon to your lawn to prevent summer weeds. Balan, Dimension, or Halts are commonly available products. Use a product that contains 2-4D to kill weeds already growing.
Once the grass begins to green up, it is time to feed the lawn. A fertilizer that contains a slow release, high nitrogen formula is recommended. Without a soil test, one cannot know exactly what formula is needed, but in general, a fertilizer with a high first number will give your lawn a boost to start the year.
It is now time to prepare your garden for both seeds and new plants. Garden centers are filled weekly with annuals, perennials, veggies, shrubs, and trees that can all be planted in the coming weeks. Remove any weeds to the compost pile, lightly till in some compost, and your garden should be ready to go!
Texas Superstar Plants by Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
March 12, 2026 – Did you know that Texas has a list of 90 plants that are considered “Super Stars”? Each plant on the list has been chosen by a board of horticultural experts from Texas A&M, Texas Tech University, AgriLife Extension agents, Texas Department of Agriculture, and the Texas Landscape and Nursery Association. These experts live and work in all parts of Texas, testing and providing reports on plants that thrive in the many Texas ecosystems.
“SuperStar” categories include: Annuals, perennials, woody shrubs, trees, specialty plants, and per-annual plants. Included in the list is the specific variety that earned the “SuperStar” designation.
The complete list is available at:
Master Gardener News—-
3 people have completed the Master Gardener training course, and are now Master Gardeners! Welcome Ken Lindstrom, Brad Fain, and Janiene Fain!!
Thursday, March 26, 10am, Master Gardener March meeting, AgriLife Extension Office, 1200B Houston St. A field trip to a local nursery will follow.
Saturday, March 28 and April 11, 9am until Noon, Master Gardeners will have a table at Atwood’s to hand out Extension Office brochures and talk to everyone about gardening. Spring planting is booming, and the Hopkins County Master Gardeners can answer any questions about gardening.
Samples of SuperStar perennial plants
Shrubs—Knock Out Rose, Rock Rose, Texas Lilac Vitex
Flowers – Lantana “New Gold”, Red Yucca, Turk’s Cap, Mystic Spires Salvia, Henry Duelberg Salvia
Crape Myrtle — Basham’s Crape MyrtleVeggies, Berries —Celebrity tomato, Tycoon tomato, Natchez blackberry, Festival strawberry
WNBA Fails to Reach Agreement on Contract
March 12, 2026 – As negotiations continue between players and league officials, the Women’s National Basketball Association faces uncertainty after failing to finalize a new labor agreement by the widely discussed March 10, 2026 deadline.
Talks surrounding a new collective bargaining agreement between players and league leadership have drawn limited national media attention, a contrast to the intense coverage typically seen during labor negotiations in the National Basketball Association. Some analysts say the lack of sustained coverage may signal limited public engagement with the issue, while others argue the negotiations are simply unfolding quietly behind the scenes.
The NBA provides financial support to the WNBA through direct annual subsidies, joint media rights negotiations, and significant ownership stakes. Historically, the NBA has provided at least $10 million to $15 million annually to cover the WNBA’s operating costs and keep the league financially solvent.
Players in the WNBA have increasingly pushed for higher salaries and benefits, often pointing to the large pay gap between WNBA athletes and their NBA counterparts. Advocates for players say increased television exposure, sponsorships and ticket sales should lead to improved compensation for athletes across the league.
The debate intensified during what many fans describe as the “post-Caitlin Clark era,” referring to the surge of national attention that followed the arrival of Caitlin Clark and other high-profile college stars entering professional women’s basketball. That period helped boost attendance, television ratings and social media interest in the league.
Despite that momentum, the financial structure of the WNBA remains significantly smaller than that of the NBA, which generates billions of dollars annually through television contracts and sponsorships.
League officials and the players’ union have not publicly detailed the full scope of negotiations, but the March 10 date had been viewed by some observers as a key milestone for reaching a new agreement before the upcoming season.
For now, discussions are expected to continue as both sides attempt to balance the league’s financial realities with players’ demands for greater pay and long-term stability in professional women’s basketball.
Hopkins County Commissioners Approve New Solar Projects
March 10, 2026 – Three solar projects are committed to expand in Hopkins County. Two new projects, as well as one older project that has a new agreement. The Hopkins County Commissioners Court working with consultant Jeff Snowden as they work through the due diligence process ultimately deciding to grant each company a tax abatement as well as enter into a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement. Three local school districts will receive regular tax levies on the full value of the projects as the previous tax abatements approved by the state are no longer in effect. Miller Grove ISD, Cumby ISD, and Saltillo ISD will each receive a boost to their bottom line as their tax levies will increase significantly over the lives of these new projects with virtually no new students added to the classrooms.
The Hopkins County Commissioners have been diligent on requirements for new projects by securing road agreements from these contractors to repair or replace roads near the projects as nearby residents have suffered damage and inconveniences during past projects. The Commissioners also have stepped up requirements for vegetative screening between projects and neighbors, mandating more neighbor-friendly construction times from the contractors, as well as requiring meetings with Hopkins County Emergency managment team.
CH Solterra, LLC will continue the build-out in the Saltillo area, as Blarney Solar Project, LLC will build a 515 acre solar array northeast of the City of Cumby. Cedar Range, LLC plans a 188 MW facility built in the Miller Grove ISD area.
